Dangerous Hogweed Spreading Across Island

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is raising the alarm about an invasive species that can cause harm.

Giant Hogweed is spreading across North America, and has started to get a toe-hold in Newfoundland. It was first documented in the province in 2010.

Andrew Holland of the Nature Conservancy of Canada says the plant grows quickly and can get quite big. He says it has hollow stems with purple flecks and stiff “hairs”. It can grow up to 15 feet tall with leaves up to 5 feet wide, and clear watery sap on the stems and leaves.

Holland says that sap can cause blistering and burns if it comes into contact with skin and then sunlight. He says a little boy received burns to his feet after coming into contact with the plant a few years ago in the Codroy Valley.

The Nature Conservancy is also warning about Japanese Knotweed, that while not dangerous, is a nuisance that grows aggressively.